5 Things We Learned From Absolute Batman: Ark M Special

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The newest Absolute Batman story unveils a lot about the Absolute Universe. Absolute Batman: Ark M Special is the first story in the series for 2026, and it’s a strong start to the year. For readers new to the series, Arkham isn’t the traditional asylum – it’s been reimagined as Ark M, a private prison created by Jack Grimm V, who is also the Absolute Joker. Ark M has been central to the ongoing Absolute Batman storyline, leading many fans to think the creators were moving away from the classic Arkham setting altogether.

The recent one-shot comic, Absolute Batman: Ark M Special, from Scott Snyder, Frank Tieri, and Josh Hixson, reveals previously unknown details about the history of Arkham Asylum and the Joker. It confirms that a real Arkham Asylum existed long ago and was actually connected to the Joker’s past—supporting Alfred Pennyworth’s long-held theory about the Grimm family. The special also introduces major new developments regarding the present-day Ark M, including the Joker building a new army. Here are 5 key details fans won’t want to miss.

Arkham Asylum Existed in the Absolute Universe

While Joker’s Ark M serves as the main mental institution in the series, a real sanitarium existed beforehand in the Absolute Universe. It was founded by Dr. Amadeus Arkham, who was motivated to create a mental health facility after witnessing his mother’s tragic breakdown following his father’s death – an event that led to the deaths of his siblings and herself. This original Asylum operated for about sixty years until Dr. Arkham destroyed it, after which the Joker purchased the land at a low price and used it as the site for Ark M.

Arkham Asylum Had Its Own ‘Joker’

Arkham Asylum was, predictably, full of difficult patients. Dr. Amadeus was particularly disturbed by one man he only called Jack Doe. Doe was a frighteningly similar figure to the Joker – a thin, constantly grinning killer who found joy in murder. Doe disappeared during an escape attempt, and many suspected he became Jack the Ripper. However, he was actually killed by Jack Grimm, a young boy who had been a patient at Arkham.

Alfred’s Joker Theory is Correct

The recent “Absolute Batman: Ark M Special” confirms a surprising theory first presented by Alfred Pennyworth in “Absolute Batman #15”: that there was only one Jack Grimm, pretending to be multiple generations of the Grimm family. The age of the boy Arkham takes in fits with what we already know about the Joker’s past. Despite the fact that Grimm should be much older, he hasn’t aged. This special provides solid evidence supporting Alfred’s idea that the Joker has found a way to live for a very long time.

Joker Has Weaponized Batman’s Rogues’ Gallery

The story of Arkham’s secrets really unfolded in Absolute Batman #10, where Bruce discovered experiments like the K.L.A.Y. biome while imprisoned. Now, as the story returns to the present, we’re learning just how many monstrous creations Joker has unleashed from Arkham. Joker is determined to destroy Batman, and he’s done so by gathering a series of Batman’s enemies – including Kirk Langstrom, Pamela Isley, and Jervis Tetch – all to stop Batman from interfering with Jack Grimm’s plans.

Deathstroke is Working for Joker

The biggest surprise in this issue happens at the very end. We learn that Batman is a problem for someone else, and this person doesn’t seem worried about him at all. They believe they could easily defeat Batman, but the Joker wants to weaken him first by sending a series of villains from Arkham Asylum. However, Grimm is happy to let his partner – revealed to be the incredibly dangerous Deathstroke – finish the job. Although we don’t see much of this Deathstroke yet, it’s clear Batman is in serious trouble.

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2026-01-08 21:12